US5576596A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical devices such as flat-panel cathode ray tube, having raised black matrix
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1995-05-25
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Granted: 1996-11-19
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Expires: 2015-05-25
Abstract
Abstract An optical device contains first and second plates (302 and 303), a pattern of ridges (314) situated over the first plate, light-emissive regions (313) situated in spaces between the ridges, electron-emissive elements (309) situated over the second plate, and supporting structure (308) that maintains a desired spacing between the plates. The electron-emissive elements emit electrons that strike the light-emissive regions, causing them to produce light of various colors. The ridges, which extend further away from the first plate than the light-emissive regions, are substantially non-emissive of light when hit by electrons. Each ridge includes a dark region formed with metal, ceramic, semiconductor, or/and carbide. The ridges thereby form a raised black matrix that improves contrast and color purity.
Inventors
- 👤 Christopher J. Curtin
- 👤 Ronald S. Nowicki
- 👤 Theodore S. Fahlen
- 👤 Robert M. Duboc, Jr.
- 👤 Paul A. Lovoi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 05:27
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J9/00; H01J9/02; H01J9/18; H01J9/185; H01J17/00; H01J17/38; H01J17/48; H01J17/49; H01J29/00; H01J29/02; H01J29/028; H01J29/08; H01J29/085; H01J29/10; H01J29/18; H01J29/30; H01J29/32; H01J29/327; H01J29/46; H01J29/467; H01J31/00; H01J31/08; H01J31/10; H01J31/12; H01J31/123; H01J31/125; H01J31/126; H01J61/00; H01J61/02; H01J61/30; H01J9/14; H01J2329/00; H01J2329/02; H01J2329/08; H01J2329/18; H01J2329/28; H01J2329/32; H01J2329/323; H01J2329/86; H01J2329/8625; H01J2329/863; H01J2329/864; H01J2329/8645
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
An optical device comprising: first and second plates having respective interior surfaces that face, and are spaced apart from, each other; a pattern of ridges situated over the interior surface of the first plate, each ridge comprising a dark region that consists primarily of at least one of metal, ceramic, semiconductor, and carbide; a plurality of light-emissive regions situated over the interior surface of the first plate in spaces between the ridges, the first plate being transparent at least in portions extending under the light-emissive regions, the ridges extending further away from the first plate than the light-emissive regions; an array of laterally separated sets of electron-emissive elements situated over the interior surface of the second plate, light being produced by the light-emissive regions upon receiving electrons from the electron-emissive elements, the ridges being substantially non-emissive of light relative to the light-emissive regions when the ridges receive electrons from the electron-emissive elements; and supporting structure that supports the plates and keeps them spaced apart from each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
An optical device comprising: first and second plates having respective interior surfaces that face, and are spaced apart from, each other; a pattern of ridges situated over the interior surface of the first plate, each ridge comprising a dark region that consists primarily of at least one of metal, ceramic, semiconductor, and carbide; a plurality of light-emissive regions situated over the interior surface of the first plate in spaces between the ridges, the first plate being transparent at least in portions extending under the light-emissive regions, the ridges extending further away from the first plate than the light-emissive regions; an array of laterally separated sets of electron-emissive elements situated over the interior surface of the second plate, light being produced by the light-emissive regions upon receiving electrons from the electron-emissive elements, the ridges being substantially non-emissive of light relative to the light-emissive regions when the ridges receive electrons from the electron-emissive elements; and supporting structure that supports the plates and keeps them spaced apart from each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein the dark region of each ridge encompasses substantially the entire width of that ridge and at least part of its height.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device as in claim 2 wherein the supporting structure includes a group of laterally separated internal supports situated between the ridges and the second plate so as to cross the ridges, the internal supports being spaced apart from the light-emissive regions and extending towards areas between the electron-emissive elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device as in claim 2 wherein at least part of the ridges extend generally in a first direction, and the internal supports extend generally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as in claim 3 wherein each internal support comprises a spacer wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device as in claim 5 wherein the supporting structure further includes an outer wall extending largely from the first plate laterally beyond the plurality of light-emissive regions to the second plate laterally beyond the array of sets of electron-emissive elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as in claim 2 wherein the ridges have an average width in the range of 10-50 μm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as in claim 2 further including a light-reflective layer situated over the light-emissive regions for reflecting light from the light-emissive regions towards the first plate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as in claim 2 wherein selected ones of the light-emitting regions produce light of at least two colors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as in claim 2 wherein each of the sets of electron-emissive elements comprises at least one field emitter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-11-19 | 2000-05-20 | 2000-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-11-19 | 2004-05-20 | 2004-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-11-19 | 2008-05-20 | 2008-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |